.
.
"Nat, are you still practicing the dance steps?"
Little Zack opened the door in the middle of the night and found Little Nat dancing alone in the practice room. She moved through her steps with determination, learning each movement without tiring out, pushing her small body to its limits.
She didn't hear him enter. Her focus remained completely on the dance, her feet moving in rhythm, her arms flowing through the motions over and over.
TWITCH TWITCH
TAK!
"OWW!"
Little Zack's hand came down on her head with a light smack.
"MOOO, ZACK! I WAS JUST AT THE END!"
"Geez, aren't you hurt? Come with me! That's enough! It's already late!" Little Zack grabbed her hand and started pulling her away from the practice area.
"Mmmmmm, I'm fine! Just a little more!" Little Nat tried to resist, digging her heels in. "Your medicine helped me a lot! I can dance so much more now! I have to learn it soon for the upcoming important event!"
"Yes, yes, I'll help you in the morning. For now, rest." Zack didn't listen to her protests. He just kept dragging her away, his grip firm but gentle on her wrist.
Little Nat looked at him, guilt creeping into her chest. She bit her lip before speaking softly. "Zack, you don't have to stay here this late at night. You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine. I don't want to make you—SHEESSSS!"
Little Zack placed his hand over her cute little lips, stopping her words mid-sentence. He smirked at her surprised expression. "I'm staying because I want to, so stop your complaining and let's go."
He pulled her away into the dark corridors. Their footsteps echoed softly in the quiet hallway as both of them started giggling, the sound of their happiness bouncing off the walls.
.
.
"HAHA, YEAH, IT WAS GREAT!"
"Hmm, your friend went away." A classmate spoke casually while leaning against her with support of his hand which were placed on her shoulder. "He sure doesn't want to mingle with us."
"Don't blame him." Nat stood up, pushing his hand away as she walked toward the door. "The fact that he comes here every day is good enough. Who else comes to our so-called prestigious class?"
"Hey, hey, that's just how the school system works!" Another friend smirked, lounging in his chair. "Those people don't really need quality education like us."
"Hmm, is that so?" Nat just sighed, not bothering to argue anymore. She walked outside without looking back.
Her steps moved steadily down the hallway. She leaned against the corridor railing and watched the other sections below where every kid was mingling with each other happily. They ran behind each other, teasing, laughing, playing games without a care in the world.
She spotted Zack meeting up with Oliver at some point. They walked shoulder to shoulder toward his section, surrounded by his friends. She wanted to see the faces of those friends, but from up here on the top floor, she couldn't see properly. The distance made everything look small and far away.
Zack was completely surrounded by people, talking and laughing with everyone.
Nat sighed and extended her hand outward, trying to reach his shadow below. But it was too far away. Her fingers could only grasp at empty air.
"Zack, I wish we were in the same class…... I miss you."
She smiled sadly, her hand falling back to her side. She shook her head, trying to shake off the loneliness, and went back inside.
.
.
"Princess, why are you so bad at this!"
The instructor's voice rang harsh words through the training grounds. Little Nat stood there quietly, her head bowed, taking every word.
"A person of your position should easily control these animals! These animals are the core of our transport system! What if something happens in the future in front of everyone? You'll become a laughing stock!"
The instructor continued scolding her, his frustration obvious in every word. Little Nat remained silent, absorbing the criticism without defending herself.
"Sighhhhh... It's taking so much time for such a simple task. Learn it soon. We have other important things to teach you."
The instructor walked away, leaving a sad-faced Little Nat all alone in the empty training yard.
Her tears grew heavy in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She blinked rapidly, trying to hold them back, but the weight in her chest made it hard to breathe.
PAT!
A hand landed gently on her head.
"Huh? ZACK!"
"What, got scolded again?" Little Zack smiled at her, his expression warm and full of understanding.
"ZACCKKK! WAAHHH!"
Little Nat threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly. The tears she'd been holding back finally burst free. She cried her heart out against his chest, her small body shaking with sobs while Zack held her steady, letting her release everything she'd been keeping inside.
"ZACCKKK! EVERYONE IS SO MEAN TO ME!!! YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO IS NICE TO ME!! WAAAHHHHHH"
"What about Queen mother?"
"She is also a meanie!!"
"My big sister?"
"She is bigger meanie!"
"Everyone is a meanie? Then what will you do if I don't come to you??"
"Then I will just curse you to death! HUMPH!"
"That is not a sign of a cute girl"
"I am not cute I am beautiful!!!"
"Isn't both same thing?"
"NO THEY ARE NOT!!!"
"Is that so?? Fine….. Natalia is the most cutest girl in the world, who will grow up to become so beautiful that every man in this city of Eirs will want to have you as your girlfriend!"
"hehehhe Thank you Zack!!.... But what about you Zack? Do you also want me??" Little Nat peeked her head out from his chest and asked cutely with her bright big eyes.
"hmmmm….. I have already got you, right? Even if the world city wants you, I will be always with you because you can't live without me heheh" Little Zack pinched her cute nose
"Stupid Zack! heheh" Little Nat giggled cutely
.
.
"Laa laaa lala la~"
"What should I wear today? Hmmmmm?"
Young Nat stood in front of her drawers filled with jewellery, her beautiful fingers sorting through her collection. Suddenly her eyes landed on a certain shiny bracelet.
"THIS!" She picked it up, then suddenly her mind recalled something and she shouted in panic. "WHERE IS ZACK'S GIFFTTTT?????!!!!!"
Her excitement turned to panic. Young Nat hastily started looking everywhere, pulling out drawers, checking boxes, searching through every possible place. But she couldn't find the bracelet anywhere.
"WHERE IS IT? WHERE IS IT?!"
Her eyes grew teary as she searched frantically, tossing things aside in her desperation. Nothing….. It was nowhere to be found.
"AH! Did I not take it back from her?! SHITTT!!!!"
Young Nat ran from her room, grabbing Emmy midway through the hall and practically dragging her along.
"Princess, where are we going in such a hurry?" Emmy stumbled, trying to keep up with Nat's frantic pace.
"TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE!"
"WHICH FRIEND?!"
"FRIEND NUMBER TWO!"
"WHO IS THAT?"
"I DON'T KNOW! JUST COME WITH ME!"
They arrived at the friend's house, bursting through the door. But the news wasn't good.
"Natalia, sorry, I couldn't find it anywhere. It's been so long. I probably left it somewhere or forgot where I put it. I'm sorry."
The friend looked apologetic, watching as Nat's face crumpled.
Nat sat on the floor, her whole-body deflating. Tears streamed down her face as she pulled at her hair in frustration.
"AGHH! SNIFF SNIFF! IT'S MY FAULT! IT'S MY FAULT!"
She bawled her eyes out, the loss of something so precious tearing at her heart.
.
.
"Sigh, it's so annoying..."
Young Natalia spoke frustratedly to her friend as they sat in their classroom during break time.
"Hehe, you're getting so many proposals! You should be happy!" The woman beside her smiled dreamily. "Whereas I haven't gotten a single one."
"Why do they want to propose in front of everyone? I don't like it." Natalia pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Heheh, they just want to show off." The woman friend giggled, finding the whole situation amusing.
"Sighhhhh... Zack, when will you propose to me?"
Natalia muttered the words softly as she looked outside her classroom window. The sky stretched endlessly above, and somewhere out there, Zack was living his life without knowing how much space he took up in her heart.
.
.
"Princess, it's getting late! We also have other work! We can't be sitting here!" A worker spoke anxiously from backstage. "We have to prepare the lights, sound, and everything for other venues! Many workers already complained about the delay!"
"Please, just wait a moment! He'll be arriving soon!" Natalia's eyes scanned the small crowd desperately. "Huhh! He came! Just wait!"
Beautiful young Natalia spotted Zack entering the venue. Her face lit up with excitement. She rushed to him then ran back to the changing room and switched into her performance outfit, then came back onto the stage.
Every eye in the auditorium fixed on her immediately. Her dress was stunning, catching the light perfectly. Her hair was arranged beautifully. She truly looks like a goddess walking on land.
"Heheh, Zack will be smitten seeing me. I will flaunt my beauty in front of him"
SWOOSSH
"Huh?"
Nat was suddenly grabbed by her dance partner. His hands locked onto hers as the music started, and they launched into the choreography without warning.
"Geezz, can't you wait for a moment?! Tsk, fine!"
Nat pushed her annoyance aside and started dancing with rhythm, her body flowing through the movements she'd practiced countless times.
The performance unfolded beautifully. Her movements were precise; her body was elegant. The crowd watched in rapt attention, captivated by the display.
When everything was over, she stood on stage in the embrace of her dance partner. His hand was still placed on her naked back, his fingers positioned dangerously close to the end of the slit in her dress, nearly touching the line where her ass began.
"Hey, don't you dare do anything without my order." Nat's voice came out with sharp warning. She pushed his hand away and pouted angrily. "Why did you start dancing when I wasn't ready? And your movements are still rigid."
"Haha, sorry, sorry! I thought I'd make those workers happy by finishing early. Sorry, forgive your friend this time." The male friend clasped his hands together in apology, putting on an innocent expression.
"Fine, fine, leave it."
Nat descended the stairs and immediately spotted Zack. He was looking at her warmly, but there was some sadness hidden deep beneath his smile but she was not able to point it out in her raging happy emotions.
"Zack, how was my dance? And how does my dress look?"
She talked with him for a while, soaking up his presence like sunlight after days of rain. But soon enough, he had to leave. She watched him go, her eyes following his retreating back.
"Was I too harsh on him before??? He didn't look good. Is he tired?"
Her thoughts swirled with worry and second-guessing.
"Princess, come here for a second!"
"YES! Coming!" Nat shook her head and went back to practise with her friends...
.
Next day the whole auditorium was jam packed with people, everyone stood up and started clapping loudly.
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!
"Marvelous, Princess! Your dance was amazing, and so was your partner!"
Many Crown officials surrounded Princess Natalia, congratulating her on the performance. The man beside her held her by the waist, pulling her close to his body in what looked like a friendly gesture to outsiders but for the eyes in front they were closely intimidate.
"THANK YOU!"
Both of them bowed elegantly, their movements perfectly synchronized.
"Princess, for giving us such a wonderful show, we'll allow the changes you and the Queen suggested for the farmers!" One of the Crown officials spoke appreciatively. "It still needs some modifications, but I hope we can come to common ground!"
"REALLY?! THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
Princess Natalia bowed happily, genuine joy lighting up her face. This was what she'd been working toward.
"THANK YOU, FATHER!" The man beside her smiled happily as well. His hand shifted, reaching the line of her ass as he pulled her even closer to his body.
Princess Natalia's eye twitched repeatedly, but she kept smiling through it, her teeth clenched behind her lips.
"Hmm, so we'll also think about your other proposals since we're impressed by your performance." The other officials nodded in agreement as Natalia happily thanked everyone, maintaining her perfect princess facade...
.
"Agh... Disgusting people."
Back in her changing room, Natalia threw the performance dress away without any care because she felt like it burned her skin from just wearing it. She quickly changed into comfortable clothes as she complained to Emmy, her voice dripping with frustration…...
"Natalia, but you got what you wanted, right?" Emmy spoke calmly while arranging her things, organizing the jewellery and accessories.
"Yeah, but... Sighhh... Where's Zack? Did he come to watch?" She asked expectantly, hope coloring her voice.
"Hmm, he did, but he went away while you were busy with the officials." Emmy continued organizing without looking up.
"I couldn't spend much time with him nowadays. I feel bad." Natalia's shoulders slumped. "And I need his hug to recharge! I'M GOING NOW!"
She tried to run toward the door, but Emmy grabbed her arm and held her back. Natalia wasn't ready to leave yet. Their playful tussle continued for a while, Emmy trying to finish preparing her while Natalia kept trying to escape.
.
.
"Princess, it's such a shame you can't win that position."
The School Master's voice carried disappointment and accusation in equal measure. Natalia stood before him in his office, her fingers tightly clenched behind her back where he couldn't see.
"The children's support is in your favor. Why can't you convince him to give up his seat? The officials are getting a bad reputation because of your incompetence."
Each word felt like a slap. Natalia's jaw tightened, but she kept her expression neutral.
"I will look into it and will remove him soon. Please don't worry, School Master." Princess Natalia spoke with confidence she didn't entirely feel.
"Just do it fast. Many eyes are on you, watching on how you'll manage this school as a leader. Don't disappoint us Princess now go away now."
The School Master waved her away dismissively, already turning his attention to other papers on his desk.
CREAAK THUP!
Natalia closed the door behind her.
"Tsk, bastard!"
She walked away angrily, her footsteps heavy with frustration. Her friend came running toward her, slightly out of breath.
"Did you find it?" Natalia asked with anticipation, grabbing her friend's shoulders.
"Yes, I did!" Her friend nodded, her eyes gleaming with discovered information. "That guy sure is gutsy. He's in a relationship with a First Rock common girl. No one really knows about it in his family. I pulled lots of strings to figure this out!"
"Good job! We can make this work! Let's go!"
Natalia held her friend's hand and ran down the hallway, her mind already forming plans.....
.
"What is the meaning of this? Are you blackmailing me? Is this how the Princess of the City of Eirs works?"
A man spoke with frustration in a dark room. The only light source came from a small window cut out high above, where many shoes could be seen of students standing watch outside.
"Senior, please, my hands are also tied." Natalia's voice came out strained. Her body was drenched in sweat from being in this closed-off, stuffy place. "If I don't take your position, then the funds for this school will be stopped. Think about everyone. Please give up your seat."
"That's because of your incompetence! You couldn't win last time, and now you're forcing me into early retirement!" The man's voice rose with anger. "Sigh... Well, I can't entirely blame you. Your age is still less compared to other candidates."
The conversation went back and forth for quite a while inside that cramped room. Negotiations, arguments, pleading, reasoning. The air grew thicker with each passing minute...…
.
"Phewwww, finally it's done!"
Natalia slumped down on the classroom bench, her whole-body sagging with exhaustion and relief.
"Good job, Natalia!" Her friends surrounded her, praising her accomplishment.
"Hehe, thank you." She managed a tired smile. "What about the rumours? How did they get so bad?"
Her voice carried worry as she looked around at their faces.
"It's just some people who aren't happy with you. Forget it! No one will take it seriously." Her friends consoled her, trying to ease her concerns.
"Still..."
Natalia clenched the water bottle in her hand tightly, worry gnawing at her insides like a persistent ache.
.
.
"YOU WAIT! I WILL TICKLE YOU TO DEATH!"
Natalia ran behind her male friend through the school corridors, her laughter echoing off the walls.
"Catch me if you can!" The male friend ran away swiftly, dodging around corners and jumping over obstacles.
"HUFF HUFF!"
Natalia stopped chasing, bending over to catch her breath. Her lungs burned from the exertion, but she was smiling.
"Hmm, where's Zack? Why is he late? Did something happen?" Nat suddenly frowns with worry
She straightened up and tried to go downstairs to check on him, but the teacher caught her halfway down and dragged her back to class, lecturing her about running in the halls.
.
.
"Princess, even if it was his fault, we can't punish him." The teacher spoke to Natalia in his office, his tone apologetic. "Your friend will only write an apology letter to that girl, whereas that guy will be suspended."
"BUT SIR?!!!"
Natalia tightly clenched her hands together in worry, trying to plead with him. Her voice came out desperate, barely holding back her frustration.
"I can't help. My hands are tied. I'm sorry."
The teacher sighed heavily as Natalia left his office, her mind spinning with helplessness.
Outside, she spotted the same girl who had been harassed by her friend. The girl stood alone, looking small and vulnerable.
Natalia walked toward her with steady steps and bowed deeply in apology.
"I'm sorry for everything."
"Ah, Princess, please!" The girl looked flustered, her hands waving frantically. "It's okay! I'm fine! It's just..."
The girl glanced at her worriedly, clearly wanting to say something but holding back.
"Don't worry about Zack. I'll talk to him."
Natalia smiled sweetly and walked away, but her hands were fidgeting terribly at her sides. Her mind kept racing, thinking about how to approach this situation, how to make things right…..
.
"Emmy, let's go to Zack's house. I want to see him."
Natalia got ready to leave from her room, pulling on her outer coat with trembling fingers.
"Hmm, but he's already here." Emmy spoke calmly, stepping aside.
She gestured for Zack to enter the room.
"ZACK!"
Natalia's voice came out shaky. She wanted to run to him, to explain, to apologize, but before she could say anything, Zack bowed deeply.
"I'm sorry, Natalia. I lost my cool. I'll make sure nothing happens like this again." His voice carried sincerity that made her chest tighten. "I'm sorry. Because of me, you must have suffered a lot."
His words brought her worries crashing down like a wave breaking on shore.
"Geez, Zack..."
Natalia smiled, relief flooding through her. They talked it out together, working through the problem until both of them got their smiles back. The tension melted away, replaced by the comfortable warmth they always shared.
.
.
"Here, this glass is for the Princess! Thank you, Princess, for helping me! I will for sure help you out with your plans!"
A senior raised his glass in the party hall where many people were sitting around tables. Alcohol was being served freely, the atmosphere was radiating the vibe of youth!
"But if you don't come here to spend time with us, then I'll have to think twice! Hehehe!"
"Hehe, thank you, Seniors!" Natalia smiled brightly and clinked her glass against his. "And please, you know I'll come! How can I miss the music?"
She gulped down the drink in one smooth motion, feeling the burn slide down her throat.
As time passed, she drank more and more. The world started to blur at the edges, becoming softer and easier to handle.
"Let's dance, everyone!"
"YEAHHHH!"
Natalia danced with everyone; her body pressed in close proximity with both ladies and men alike. She spun, laughed, moved with the music like it was the only thing keeping her grounded.
"Here, another drink for the Princess! YEAHH!"
"DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!"
The chanting filled her ears. Natalia grabbed the glass and drank the whole thing in one gulp, throwing the empty glass aside carelessly. She danced happily, completely lost in the moment.
In all these fun times, she didn't realize the hands of others touching her inappropriately. She didn't notice the bodies pressing too close. She didn't feel the fingers sliding across her skin in places they shouldn't.
She just kept dancing without a care in the world
.
"UWWAA! AAGGG!"
Back home, Natalia vomited hard into the toilet. Her whole body shook with the force of it.
"AGH! HUFF HUFF!"
She gasped for air between heaves, her stomach twisting painfully.
"Natalia, don't push yourself. Why do you keep drinking so much?" Emmy rubbed her back soothingly, her touch trying to ease out her bubbling stomach.
"Hehe, it's addicting." Nat's voice came out in patches of regret. "I can forget all my worries. Of course, Zack is my most intoxicating way to forget everything, but this can also work."
She smiled weakly, exhaustion written across every line of her face.
She stood up on shaky legs and collapsed onto the bed, still wearing her short mini party dress. As she moved her legs, her panties could be seen peeking out from under the tight fabric.
"Zack, I miss you..."
Natalia started mumbling in her sleep, her words barely coherent. Emmy sighed, pulled a blanket over her, and quietly left the room after cleaning.
.
.
"SNIFF SNIFF! AGH! My head hurts!"
A dishevelled-looking Natalia woke up from sleep and slowly realized where she was. The memories came flooding back... She'd cried herself to sleep in Zack's embrace the night before.
"Sighhhhh... Sorry, Zack. I'll do my best to get out of this situation. Please just don't hate me for this! I will make sure that Cok bastard doesn't get near me in the future! I will for sure control the Heart machine and propose to you that day and make you my official MAN!!!"
She looked over and saw Zack sleeping while in sitting position on the bed with his back on bed rest. He'd stayed with her the whole night, keeping watch even as exhaustion claimed him.
Her heart squeezed painfully with love and guilt.
She looked around shyly, making sure no one else was there. Then she brought her face closer to his.
"UMMMM! CHUUUU!"
She kissed his lips softly, gently, like touching something sacred. Her tongue darted out slightly, licking his lips with the barest pressure.
She pulled back quickly, her face turning bright red from what she'd just done. This one will not count Zack! Hehe Nat giggled in happiness.
Then carefully, she helped him lie down properly on the bed so he could sleep more comfortably. Then she crawled in beside him, pulling his arm around her body.
She took his hand and deliberately placed it above her ass, pressing it against the places where she could still feel that bastard's touch from her trip to Land of Dreath.
She sighed again, trying to replace the unwanted memories with Zack's warmth.
Then she snuggled herself deeper into his embrace and finally slept peacefully, safe in the only place that ever felt like home.
.
.
"Hmm, Zack, were you waiting for me all this time?"
Natalia came outside the school library and found Zack standing there, leaning against the wall.
"Yes." Zack simply nodded.
"You could've come inside, you know." Natalia walked over and hugged his arm tightly, pressing herself against his side.
Zack looked around hastily, clearly uncomfortable with the public display. His eyes darted to see if anyone was watching.
Natalia sighed at his reaction but decided not to push it. She just joked around with him as they walked home together, their hands linked, fingers intertwined.
.
.
.
At present....
Suddenly, both of them jolted awake from their trance.
Their voices stopped mid-memory. They were still kneeling in front of each other on the cold floor. Their eyes were still locked together, but now there was warmth flickering in their gazes where before there had only been pain and sense of distance among them.
The shared memories hung in the air between them.
"ZACK, PLEASE!"
Nat suddenly spoke up, her voice breaking the silence that had settled over them. Her eyes filled with tears that spilled over and ran down her cheeks.
Her eyes were still pleading, searching his face desperately for any sign of softening.
She knew her actions had been wrong. She understood the hurt she'd caused. She recognized every mistake she'd made along the way.
But she couldn't imagine a life without Zack in it.
She wanted to hold him tightly and never let go. She wanted to become his woman and do things for him and him only. She wanted to give herself completely to this person who had been woven into every memory of her life since childhood.
The tears kept falling as she waited for his response, her whole world balanced on the edge of his next words.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
If you want to wake up early then SLEEP EARLY!!! It is as simple as that!! Stop complaining and stop telling yourself that you are late night owl!!
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